Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certified Wellness Counselor/ASCHP ( Association for Supportive Counsellors/Holistic Practitioners)
Timeline
Generic
Kyla Dos Santos

Kyla Dos Santos

Integrated Wellness Therapist
Johannesburg

Summary

Hello, I'm Kyla, an Integrated Wellness Therapist. My expertise spans from Therapy, a background in Pharmacology, Psychology and Nutrition, while currently completing my Masters in Neuro Psychology, allowing me to provide a comprehensive approach to health, eating disorders, life-changes and mental health interventions.

Overview

13
13
years of professional experience
2
2
Languages

Work History

Counseling Therapist

Self Employed
Johannesburg
03.2024 - Current

With a unique blend of expertise in therapy, pharmacology, psychology, and nutrition, alongside my ongoing Master’s in Neuropsychology, I provide a forward-thinking and tailored approach to health and mental wellness. I focus on delivering transformative interventions, whether it's managing anxiety, eating disorders, or guiding individuals through complex life transitions. My approach is grounded in science but remains innovative, ensuring that each client receives the personalised care they need to thrive.

Areas of Expertise:

  • Mental Health & Behavioural Mastery: I specialise in anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, borderline personality (BPD), and self-esteem challenges, offering evidence-based therapies like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT).
  • Eating Disorders & Weight Management: Combining my knowledge in nutrition and psychology, I create holistic strategies for overcoming eating disorders, managing obesity, and achieving lasting weight loss, without resorting to quick fixes.
  • Navigating Life Transitions: Whether it’s coping with divorce, pregnancy, parenting, or significant emotional upheavals, I empower individuals to build resilience and embrace change with strength and clarity.

Therapeutic Approaches:

  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
  • Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT)
  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
  • Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)
  • Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)

I believe in delivering impactful, results-driven therapy that goes beyond conventional methods. My approach is insightful, modern, and geared towards creating lasting change. With a clear focus on both mental and physical health, my clients benefit from strategies that are as comprehensive as they are effective.

Online Nutrition and Health Coach

Self Employed
03.2019 - Current

As an Online Nutrition and Health Coach, I leverage my extensive expertise in nutrition, psychology, and health to deliver personalised, results-driven coaching that empowers clients to achieve their wellness goals. I make the process more accessible by using a specialised app, allowing clients to easily track their progress, access meal plans, and stay in regular contact with me for support.

Areas of Focus:

  • Personalised Nutrition Plans: I design science-based, tailored nutrition strategies that address a variety of health goals, including weight loss, muscle gain, and managing specific health concerns such as obesity and chronic conditions.
  • Health and Wellness Coaching: Through one-on-one coaching sessions, I guide clients in making sustainable lifestyle changes, offering the tools and accountability needed for long-term success.
  • Mind-Body Connection: I incorporate mindfulness and mental wellness into my coaching, helping clients manage stress, overcome emotional eating, and establish positive, lasting habits.

Coaching Methods:

  • Customised meal planning using data-driven health assessments
  • Behavioural coaching to eliminate unhealthy patterns
  • Mindfulness practices for mental clarity and stress reduction
  • App-based tracking for real-time progress updates and accountability

The app-based approach enhances the client experience by making meal plans, progress tracking, and direct communication more convenient and accessible. This integration of technology with professional health coaching ensures clients stay on track and achieve meaningful, long-lasting results.

Administrator/Researcher

MPC Recruitment
04.2017 - 03.2019

I began my journey at MPC Recruitment as a receptionist and quickly advanced to the role of Administrator and Researcher, taking on expanded responsibilities across the organisation. During this time, I managed high-priority client contracts, including the Uber contract, where I conducted MIE checks and handled sensitive information with discretion and strict confidentiality, in full compliance with company policy and legal regulations.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Confidential Information Management: I ensured secure handling of sensitive data, particularly with MIE checks, while maintaining the highest standards of confidentiality.
  • Administrative Growth: Transitioning from receptionist to administrator, I took on additional duties such as banking and financial tasks, contributing to the smooth financial operations of the office.
  • Office Inventory & Resource Management: I managed office inventory, ensuring supplies were available while optimising costs and minimising waste.
  • Document and Database Management: I maintained personnel records, updated internal databases, and developed an organised filing system that streamlined document retrieval and reduced the risk of misplaced files.
  • Team Leadership: I supervised administrative staff, providing mentorship, feedback, and guidance that encouraged their professional development and improved team efficiency.

My ability to adapt quickly, take on new responsibilities, and effectively manage both people and processes contributed significantly to the operational success of MPC Recruitment.

Brand and Event Promotor

Spotlight Agency
02.2013 - 02.2017

In my role as a part-time promotions representative for Spotlight Agency, I successfully engaged with clients and consumers in both Afrikaans and English, with fluency in both languages. My experience allowed me to demonstrate excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with English as my first language. I consistently delivered high-quality service while adapting quickly to new environments and challenges.

Key Skills:

  • Bilingual Communication: Fluent in both Afrikaans and English, I easily connected with a diverse audience and conveyed key brand messages in both languages.
  • Adaptability and Quick Learning: I rapidly learnt new promotional strategies, adapting to different products and campaigns with ease, ensuring successful brand representation.
  • Self-Motivation and Initiative: I took on responsibilities independently, while also thriving in team-based environments, showing a strong sense of personal responsibility in every task.
  • Collaboration and Teamwork: I worked effectively within teams, coordinating with colleagues to execute campaigns efficiently and with consistent results.

This role honed my ability to work independently and collaboratively while reinforcing my communication and interpersonal skills across various consumer-facing situations.

Certified Personal Trainer

Virgin Active
03.2016 - 12.2016

In my role as a personal trainer at Virgin Active, I worked closely with clients to help them achieve their fitness goals through personalised workout plans and nutritional guidance. I interacted with a diverse clientele, offering services in both Afrikaans and English, with fluency in both languages. This role required me to deliver high-quality, results-driven training programmes, while ensuring client safety and motivation at all times.

Key Skills:

  • Bilingual Communication: Fluent in both Afrikaans and English, I communicated effectively with clients, ensuring they fully understood and executed their personalised training plans.
  • Client-Centred Training: I created tailored fitness programmes based on individual client needs, whether for weight loss, muscle gain, or general health improvement, while constantly monitoring progress and making adjustments where needed.
  • Adaptability and Continuous Learning: I stayed updated with the latest fitness trends and research, ensuring I adapted my training techniques to offer clients the most effective workouts.
  • Motivation and Accountability: I motivated clients to stay committed to their fitness journey, fostering a sense of accountability and empowerment through ongoing support and encouragement.
  • Teamwork and Collaboration: While focusing on individual clients, I also collaborated with fellow trainers and staff to create a supportive and motivating gym environment.

This role developed my ability to work independently with clients while maintaining strong collaborative relationships within the team, contributing to the overall success of the fitness centre.

Store Manager

Bodystock
02.2015 - 09.2015

As the store manager at Bodystock, a health supplement store catering to cyclists and fitness enthusiasts, I was responsible for managing the daily operations to ensure a seamless experience for both customers and employees. This role, which was my first official job, allowed me to develop key management skills before the company was bought over. Although I was offered the opportunity to stay on, I was completing my certification in sports science and chose to pursue my passion for fitness training.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Daily Operations Management: Ensured smooth functioning of the store, maintaining a clean, organised, and safe environment for customers and staff.
  • Inventory and Cash Control: Managed inventory levels to meet customer demand while minimising waste and ensuring accurate cash control through regular reconciliation.
  • Staff Hiring and Training: Assisted with hiring, training, and mentoring new staff members to uphold store standards and provide excellent customer service.
  • Sales Procedures: Completed point of sale opening and closing procedures, ensuring accuracy in daily financial transactions and maintaining customer satisfaction.
  • Customer Engagement: Provided personalised recommendations to customers, focusing on health supplements tailored to their fitness goals.

This role taught me the importance of leadership, organisation, and customer service

Education

Higher Certificate - Sports Science

HFPA-Fitness Academy
05.2016

Course Work in LLB - Law

University of South Africa (UNISA)
Johannesburg
04.2001 -

Certificate - Interior Design

The Interior Design Institute
Online
07.2020

Diploma - Nutrition Consultancy

HFPA Fitness Academy
Johannesburg
09.2022

Certificate - Pharmacology

Asean Online Education AOE
Online
09.2022

Bachelor of Science - Psychology

SACAP (South African College of Applied Psychology)
Johannesburg
04.2001 -

Honours Degree - Honours in Psychology (BSocSci)

SACAP (South African College of Applied Psychology)
Johannesburg
10.2023

Certificate - Child Counselling, Psychology And Psychotherapy

Alison
Online
04.2024

Master of Science - Clinical Neuropsychology

Tech Global University
European Higher Education Area (EHEA)
04.2001 -

Skills

  • Personalised Health Coaching: Expertise in developing customised wellness plans that integrate mental health, nutrition, and physical fitness for holistic client care

  • Nutrition and Behavioural Health: Skilled in designing evidence-based nutrition strategies, with a focus on managing stress, anxiety, eating disorders, and lifestyle changes

  • Client Engagement and Communication: Fluent in English (first language) and Afrikaans, with the ability to communicate complex health concepts clearly and motivate clients toward achieving their goals

  • HR and Leadership: Experience in recruitment, training, and mentoring within health-focused teams, ensuring effective performance and professional development

  • Tech Proficiency: Proficient in using health apps and digital tools to track client progress, deliver remote coaching, and streamline communication

  • Confidentiality and Discretion: Extensive experience in handling sensitive health data and ensuring compliance with legal and company confidentiality standards

Adaptability and Continuous Learning: Ability to quickly adapt to new wellness trends and client needs, ensuring that strategies are relevant and effective

Certified Wellness Counselor/ASCHP ( Association for Supportive Counsellors/Holistic Practitioners)

This is to certify that Kyla Maré Dos Santos (me) is licensed to provide counseling within the scope of practice in the designation:

Wellness Counsellor

NQF* REGISTRATION NUMBER: 895

MEMBERSHIP REGISTRATION NO: WC23/4018

Timeline

Counseling Therapist

Self Employed
03.2024 - Current

Online Nutrition and Health Coach

Self Employed
03.2019 - Current

Administrator/Researcher

MPC Recruitment
04.2017 - 03.2019

Certified Personal Trainer

Virgin Active
03.2016 - 12.2016

Store Manager

Bodystock
02.2015 - 09.2015

Brand and Event Promotor

Spotlight Agency
02.2013 - 02.2017

Course Work in LLB - Law

University of South Africa (UNISA)
04.2001 -

Bachelor of Science - Psychology

SACAP (South African College of Applied Psychology)
04.2001 -

Master of Science - Clinical Neuropsychology

Tech Global University
04.2001 -

Higher Certificate - Sports Science

HFPA-Fitness Academy

Certificate - Interior Design

The Interior Design Institute

Diploma - Nutrition Consultancy

HFPA Fitness Academy

Certificate - Pharmacology

Asean Online Education AOE

Honours Degree - Honours in Psychology (BSocSci)

SACAP (South African College of Applied Psychology)

Certificate - Child Counselling, Psychology And Psychotherapy

Alison
Kyla Dos SantosIntegrated Wellness Therapist